Report: Meriweather Fined $20K For Hit

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 11: Brandon Meriweather #31 of the Chicago Bears participates in warm-ups before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field on September 11, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Falcons 30-12. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Brandon Meriweather. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

(CBS) According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, Bears safety Brandon Meriweather was fined $20,000 by the league for a helmet-to-helmet hit on the Panther’s Steve Smith in the third quarter of Sunday’s win.

Meriweather was not flagged on the play, and Smith recorded a 22-yard gain.

Meriweather said he plans to appeal the fine. As a repeat offender, Meriweather’s fine was larger than average.

Last season with the Patriots, he received a $50,000 fine for helmet-to-helmet contact.